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Post by indiehouse on Apr 2, 2020 11:12:17 GMT -6
I'm convinced on the value of monitoring with quality headphones. It takes variables out of the equation. I record and mix alone and have no one to impress with the gear I own or use. I have some really good monitors and use them, but I swear I get better results with mid grade headphones (200-500 dollar range). I'm wanting to go full bore on this. What do you guys consider monitoring grade phones? There's a lot of options and I have a few models in mind per my research, but wanted to pick the brains of the group. Any practical experience with the top models out there? Dollar amount doesn't matter. I'm looking for the best option. You are looking for a pair of headphones to track with, right? Then you'll want closed back, not open backs, like the Senn HD6XX. I've got a pair of the HD600. Sonarworks makes those headphones sound completely different, in a good way. I've also got a pair of the new Focal Spirit Pro's for tracking. Using SW with those makes the headphones sound broken if I remove SW.
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Post by cowboycoalminer on Apr 2, 2020 11:25:36 GMT -6
I've got some good tracking phones (closed back). I'm looking for mixing phones right now.
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Post by damoongo on Apr 2, 2020 11:52:49 GMT -6
STAX electrostatics are unbelievable sounding. Which is actually a problem when trying to use them for monitoring, and making critical decisions. I have a pair at home for “enjoyment only” because they are just too flattering for working on.
HD600’s have been good to me for working, especially with Sonarworks correction applied. But everything translates better when I mix in my room on my monitors (and mono auratone).
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Post by jcoutu1 on Apr 2, 2020 12:03:59 GMT -6
I'm using Bose QC35's for about 90% of my mixing these days. No Sonarworks or any of that.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 2, 2020 13:55:48 GMT -6
The HD 600 and 650 are good too. I had a buddy bring over a pair of the 600's. He did research for weeks and ended up with those. Asked me my opinion, I put em on, hit "play" and pulled em off 15 seconds later. They sounded broken to me. ?? Go figure. Maybe I just don't like headphones. Yeah many headphones do remind me of listening to broken hifi systems as a kid. They all sound kinda broken because the driver is breaking up in the bass and treble. I think a pair of cheap monitors are already better than all headphones for a couple hundred bucks. The high impedance Sennheiser’s are some of the better ones, especially HD 800 (not S) modded, but the detail is such that they are super sensitive to da conversion quality and amplification. A ton of commonly recommended headphone amps are just worse than what’s in your Grace. Even with the best stuff, they still sound broken.
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,961
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Post by ericn on Apr 2, 2020 14:07:44 GMT -6
STAX electrostatics are unbelievable sounding. Which is actually a problem when trying to use them for monitoring, and making critical decisions. I have a pair at home for “enjoyment only” because they are just too flattering for working on. HD600’s have been good to me for working, especially with Sonarworks correction applied. But everything translates better when I mix in my room on my monitors (and mono auratone). . I would never call STAX flattering quite the opposite in fact.
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Post by damoongo on Apr 2, 2020 17:30:24 GMT -6
. I would never call STAX flattering quite the opposite in fact.[/quote] Strange! Which model / amp? I’ve tried a few, and to me they make every detail more pleasing. Even when it isn’t. Unless yours were broken, I guess the difference between our experiences could just be chalked up to what we consider beautiful! (Mostly acoustic / folk / jazz / rock here, btw.)
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Post by dankin on Apr 2, 2020 19:49:35 GMT -6
I had the LCD-X for about 2 years. I found them to be to heavy for extended use. Fine for quick checks. I just got a pair of the LCD-1 a few weeks ago, and I'm really liking them. I also have HD650's that I've had for a long time. The 650's still win for long term comfort IMO, but the LCD-1's have a better over all frequency response without sounding hyped. I do prefer the lowend the LCD-X have, but I actually prefer the upper mids and topped of the LCD-1.
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Post by lando on Apr 6, 2020 11:17:22 GMT -6
I love my Sennheiser HD-650, very hard to beat for the price I believe. I check all my mixes with them and have learned how they sound and translate. Would love to try some really hi-end ones eventually, but the 650 sound so good that I've not been inspired to lay down 1000$ or more on a more luxurious pair.
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